Instructional Technology

Overview

The Academy boast nearly two dozen electronic classrooms, and has been retrofitting conventional facilities at the rate of five classrooms per year. The basic configuration for an e-classroom includes a dedicated lectern, computer, digital document camera, and a LCD digital projector. More advanced classrooms include wireless access, and a DVD/VCR projector. Some lecture halls include power and network jacks at each seat, allowing midshipmen to bring their laptops directly to class.

In the image above, Mr. David Sanborn '73, a visiting lecturer, showcases the versatility of the electronic classroom in Bowditch room 317. The Power Point presentation is being run off a laptop computer and the Elmo document projector (the modern descendant of an overhead projector) is visible to the right of the lectern. The remainder of the electronics are hidden away in the lectern.

There are also a number of computer labs fitted with dedicated computer terminals. These facilities allow the Academy to purchase a limited number of user licenses for specialized (an expensive) software.

Ms. Dianne Taha, Director of Instructional Technology, and Mr. Charles Schutlheiss, Instructional Technology Specialist, work closely with the faculty to develop new applications for technology in the classroom. The Academy also uses Blackboard®, a proprietary educational delivery system, to help faculty manage course content.

Wireless Access

Signs like these are popping up all over campus. Using equipment manufactured by Cisco and Linksys, the Department of Information Technology is expanding wireless coverage to more areas all the time.
The Library is 100% wireless, with 8 wireless access points (WAPS) providing complete coverage over all three decks. Land Hall, Yocum Sailing Center, and Wiley Hall, three areas where Midshipmen are liable to bring computers for academic or leisure pursuits, are all wireless.

In addition, wireless technology is being used to bring the internet to the T/V Kings Pointer. A wireless link was installed between the Yocum Sailing Center and the ship to allow internet access when she is at her berth.